Fred Minnick Names Top 10 Bourbons Under $60

Fred Minnick recently laid out his 10 Best Bourbons Under $60 list on his YouTube channel, and he’s interested to know what he got right and wrong.

His criteria is that the bourbons should be at least “quasi-available” nationally – everyday bourbons, not special releases. And if you see it even at $59.99, even if it’s $70 elsewhere, it counts.

Here are the first five of Fred’s picks – check out the video for the full list. And hit up the video below to add your own in the comments section.

10. Green River Full Proof (a Club Marzipan members’ pick). “These folks were fanatical about it,” Fred says in the video. “They’re very knowledgeable, they love bourbon and they love value.” Fred opines that he likes Green River Full Proof just fine, but he finds it to be inconsistent.

9. Michter’s US-1 Bourbon. “This bourbon right here is so consistent. You can find it all over the country. … I think it makes some of the best cocktails out there, bar none. … It’s absolutely glorious.”

8. Ben Holladay Bottled in Bond. Fred admits this one is not available at retail in all 50 states, but notes that it is available by order through Seelbach’s and other services. So, it made the list. “We need bottled in bond representation in here, we need a bourbon outside of Kentucky in here … and we need to really show off some of the capabilities of those great distillers in Missouri.”

7. Woodinville 6 Year Old. Another one made outside Kentucky, Woodinville has been a favorite of Fred’s for some time. “I love that brand, and admittedly I love that brand because it’s so off-profile from traditional Kentucky bourbons.” And yet, Woodinville has won over the palates of traditional Kentucky bourbon drinkers.

6. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength. Fred says that due to the lull in demand, Maker’s Mark is starting to put older barrels in these bottles – meaning it’s highly likely that this one under $60 is only going to get better. Fred believes that Maker’s is especially good between 6 and 9 years old, and that’s what is going into the Cask Strength.

5. Knob Creek 9 Year Old. This is Fred’s favorite bourbon to put into a Manhattan. “It’s like a very consistent 9 year old pour. I don’t know why … it doesn’t get as much attention.” In other words? It’s underrated.

Any predictions on the Top 5? Find out below and leave your comments on YouTube.